On a Saturday in mid-November, seven-time bridesmaid Merlyn Romit geared up for another wedding, but one without a happy couple.
It was the first event hosted by the 29-year-old Indian Australian's wedding planning company — and, to her knowledge, the first of its kind in Australia.
"I came up with this idea three months ago, when one of my friends actually showed a similar event that's been done overseas," Romit told SBS Spice.
"The concept of immersive weddings and actually enjoying them for what they are, without the fuss of it, was actually done in India first, and then Ireland and London. I wanted to be one of the first to bring it to Australia."
After months of planning, Romit saw her efforts come to life as over a hundred guests arrived at the event's waterfront location on Sydney's North Shore. They'd each paid between $90 and $109 to attend.
Merlyn Romit, the founder of wedding planning company Desi Wed Australia, dazzled in a blush pink lehenga as she greeted guests at the Big Fat 'Fake' Indian Wedding. Source: Supplied / Sidd Rishi
Attendee Abhijit, 33, said: "I think for a long time they were like very traditional, family orientated. Now people let loose and actually have a good time."
Shoraye Khatter, co-director of event partner Brown Munde Events, said "we're at an age right now where people are missing out [on attending weddings]".
"Those people that don't go to weddings, they really want to experience it," he told SBS Spice.
While marriage rates have now returned to roughly pre-pandemic levels, event vendors are keen to make up for lost time — something Romit also considered when planning her event.
"After being a bridesmaid seven times, I found out how difficult it was to plan a South Asian wedding in Australia. And so, I just wanted to create a space that really brings the top vendors in our industry together," Romit said.
Attendee Nadisha, 36, said: "I'm in the wedding industry, so I wanted to come along and see what all the vendors were up to ... see them showcasing all their beautiful efforts."
From marigold flower garlands adorning the entrance, to a vibrant mehendi (henna) station and an abundant biryani bar, the fake wedding invited guests to participate in both familiar and new customs.
Maree Whitlock from venue partner Zest Waterfront Venues said it's a good opportunity for people to learn about South Asian culture and have some fun.
One of the offerings exhibited by a vendor was a giant pavlova that newlyweds can help decorate for their wedding guests. Source: Supplied / Sidd Rishi
Matrimony and money
Aside from the elephant archway framing the event's DJ booth, the buzz of the event was sobered by another elephant in the room — the rampant costs associated with South Asian weddings.
In Australia, the average wedding has been estimated to cost over $36,000.
However, a South Asian wedding can be anything but average, often spanning over five days with various ceremonies depending on the cultural roots of the betrothed couple.
Attendees also had the chance to briefly become Vogue cover models. Source: Supplied / Sidd Rishi
"The smallest wedding I've ever worked on, I think it was around $45,000 to $50,000. That was just for the one day," Gururajan said.
"When you're looking at multi-day celebrations, it's anywhere from $150,000 to $500,000. When you talk about destination weddings, anywhere up to $800,000."
The extravagance of South Asian weddings is no secret — perhaps most clearly demonstrated by the lavish, extensive 2024 nuptial festivities of Indian tycoon Mukesh Ambani's son, Anant Ambani, with Radhika Merchant, which included performances by Rihanna and Justin Bieber.
The evening's celebrations included a classic game of musical chairs. Source: Supplied / Sidd Rishi
However, the core of any South Asian wedding is always community, as shown by the warmth among attendees at Sydney's recent fake wedding, even if they'd come together for different reasons.
Another attendee, 28-year-old Rahul, said: "It's so rare to meet such a diverse group of people within our own community. And so, for me, that's what's important about it."
"We're bold, we're different, we're challenging the norm," Romit said.
Share
